By Rachel Quartey & Rukayatu Musah
The Government of Ghana has launched a revised National Cultural Policy aimed at leveraging the country’s rich cultural heritage and thriving creative industries to drive economic growth, social inclusion and sustainable development.
The policy, unveiled at the National Theatre in Accra on Monday, June 9, 2026, by Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, seeks to preserve Ghana’s cultural identity, strengthen the creative economy and position culture as a catalyst for national development.
Speaking at the launch, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang emphasized the need to safeguard Ghana’s heritage while creating opportunities within the cultural and creative sectors. She noted that the policy would promote inclusive growth, create decent jobs, improve educational outcomes and help reduce inequalities across the country.
”By safeguarding our traditions and empowering our creative sectors, we are driving inclusive growth, creating decent jobs, enhancing education and reducing inequalities,” she stated.
She noted that the policy aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which envisions an Africa with a strong cultural identity and shared heritage.
The Vice President also highlighted Ghana’s recent success at the United Nations in securing a landmark resolution recognizing the transatlantic slave trade as a grievous crime against humanity. According to her, the achievement reinforces the role of culture in promoting justice, dignity and healing.
”Culture is not only about celebration, but also about justice, dignity and healing. It prompts us to confront the painful legacies of slavery and colonialism and recognize that our history is inseparable from our identity and our future,” she said.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang further praised international recognition of Ghanaian cultural assets, including the inscription of Kente as a geographical indication and the recognition of Highlife music on international heritage registers.
”These achievements remind us that our cultural expressions are not only the treasures of Ghana, but they are gateways to the world,” she noted.
The Vice President also called for greater multilingualism and cultural intelligence, encouraging Ghanaians to learn at least one language beyond their mother tongue to strengthen social cohesion and enhance Ghana’s global engagement.
On technology, she stressed the need to harness artificial intelligence and digital innovation to promote Ghanaian languages, culture and creative works while ensuring that technological advancements remain rooted in national values and contribute to job creation.
She revealed that the Ghana Film Industry Authority has already received seed funding for a Film Development Fund to support the growth of the country’s film ecosystem, including documentary and heritage productions.
Declaring the policy officially launched, she urged all stakeholders, including government institutions, traditional authorities, religious bodies, young people and the Ghanaian diaspora, to support its implementation.
”Let Ghana stand as proof that culture is not only a reflection of identity, but also one of the most powerful drivers of development,” she said.
Creative Economy Set for Growth
Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Dzifa Gomashie, described the policy as the outcome of years of extensive consultations involving academics, artists, community leaders, women, youth groups, religious organizations and creative industry players.
She emphasized that culture must be supported through deliberate policies that create opportunities for communities and contribute to sustainable national development.
The revised policy outlines measures to improve access to financing for creative entrepreneurs, establish creative arts infrastructure, integrate cultural products into trade agreements and strengthen cultural tourism through immersive Ghanaian cultural experiences.
Madam Gomashie said Ghana’s cultural heritage presents significant economic opportunities that can drive entrepreneurship, job creation and empowerment, particularly for women and young people.
“By harnessing the economic potential embedded in our culture and traditions, we can promote entrepreneurship, create sustainable employment opportunities, and empower our people, particularly the youth and women,” she said.
UNESCO Commends Ghana’s Cultural Vision
UNESCO’s Representative to Ghana, Edmond Moukala N’Gouemo, praised the policy as a strategic commitment to culture as a catalyst for sustainable development.
”When a cultural policy is grounded in historical truth and cultural confidence, it becomes a powerful tool for restoring African pride,” he said.
He commended Ghana for placing culture at the centre of its development agenda and for ensuring that technological advancement, including artificial intelligence, complements rather than erodes cultural identity.
”Digital transformation must not lead to cultural erasure. Ghana is sending a message to the world that technology must remain a tool for our benefit rather than a master of our destiny,” he stated.
Mr. N’Gouemo reaffirmed UNESCO’s commitment, alongside development partners including the European Union, to support the implementation of the revised National Cultural Policy.
The new policy is expected to provide a framework for preserving Ghana’s cultural heritage, strengthening the creative economy and positioning culture as a central pillar of national development.
